Question:
If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest, unreliable, and involved in activities such as cheating, bribing, dealing in drugs, etc.?
Answer:
1. Media maligns Islam
Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously broadcasting and printing information against Islam. They either provide misinformation about Islam, misquote Islam or project a point out of proportion, if any.
When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be accused without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as headlines in the news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were responsible, it appears as an insignificant news’ item.
If a 50 year old Muslim marries a 15 year old girl after taking her permission, it appears on the front page but when a 50 year old non-Muslim rapes a 6 year old girl, it may appear in the news in the inside pages as ‘Newsbriefs’. Everyday in America on an average 2,713 cases of rape take place but it doesn’t appear in the news, since it has become a way of life for the Americans.
2. Black sheep in every community:
I am aware that there are some Muslims who are dishonest, unreliable, who cheat, etc. but the media projects this as though only Muslims are involved in such activities. There are black sheep in every community. I know Muslims who are alcoholics and who can drink most of the non-Muslims under the table.
3. Muslims best as a whole:
Inspite of all the black sheep in the Muslim community, Muslims taken on the whole, yet form the best community in the world. We are the biggest community of tee-totallers as a whole, i.e. those who don’t imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we are a community which gives the maximum charity in the world. There is not a single person in the world who can even show a candle to the Muslims where modesty is concerned; where sobriety is concerned; where human values and ethics are concerned.
4. Don’t judge a car by its driver:
If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the "Mercedes" car and a person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver? But naturally, the driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person should not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are the safety measures, etc. Even if I agree for the sake of argument that the Muslims are bad, we can’t judge Islam by its followers? If you want to judge how good Islam is then judge it according to its authentic sources, i.e. the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith.
5. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh):
If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert driver behind the steering wheel. Similarly the best and the most exemplary follower of Islam by whom you can check how good Islam is, is the last and final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Besides Muslims, there are several honest and unbiased non-Muslim historians who have acclaimed that prophet Muhammad was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book, ‘The Hundred Most Influential Men in History’, the topmost position, i.e. the number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh). There are several such examples of non-Muslims paying great tributes to the prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.
Showing posts with label Muslims. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muslims. Show all posts
Friday, June 08, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Muslims in the Mirror
Prejudice in the Muslim community
Note from ITMR: Assalamualaikum, Below is an article from Soundvision entitled, "Muslims in the Mirror - Prejudice in the Muslim community." Before you read it, please read the ITMR message for Eid of 2000.
This Eid (Eid ul Adha, 2000), Inshallah, like every Eid, we will make their way to mosques to perform Eid prayer. Prayer in Jamaat can be an incredible experience. Many scholars describe it as the culmination of the five pillars of Islam
when you pray, you pray because you are a witness to the shahadah
when you pray, you refrain from eating and drinking, you observe a form of fasting
when you pray, you perform zakat because you are purifying yourself of your sins
when you pray, it is like performing hajj, with scores of other Muslims like yourself
It is this last point that I would like to stress on. We need to open our eyes and really take a look around us this Eid, and in the days to come. Look at the shiny faces of your Muslim brothers and sisters - of all colours and all ethnicities, of all cultures, of all ages. When the Ummah had its first official adhan, the muezzin was a Black former slave......till today, we pray shoulder to shoulder with people who are different in every possible way. But similar, in the most important way - IMAN...faith, Islam.
We will truly be lost if we nurture and raise our children to believe that they are better Muslims than others because they were brought up in the home of a particular ethnicity/race, or because they were born Muslims. It is arrogant to do so, but after all, arrogance is a natural human reaction. But that does not justify abandoning the effort to fight the tendency to look down on other Muslims.
A young woman once told me that she feels like the luckiest girl in the world. Before she came to Islam, she had just one sister and no brothers. Now that she has reverted to Islam, she has millions of sisters she can call her own - and literally so. We Muslims have brothers and sisters in every part of the world - because we are not separated by religious sects, different leaders, etc. Our leader is Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his God, our God, taught us to 'love for the sake of Allah.'
Muslims in the Mirror - Prejudice in the Muslim community
Source: Soundvision http://www.soundvis ion.com
‘I never considered a non-Arab equal to me,’ a sister once remarked. ‘I know it’s wrong, but in the place I grew up in, that was how we grew up thinking.’ She had grown up in a country considered "Islamic".
Islam is the most anti-racist and anti-prejudicial way of life. Islamic history testifies to the openness Muslims have shown towards people of different cultures and religions. Within their own ranks, sincere and practicing Muslims have always kept their hearts and minds open to their brethren, no matter what their background.
Yet, there is a problem in the Ummah today. Prejudices are not the problems of others. They have become the very sad reality amongst a number of Muslims as well.
This is not just on the level of small minority Muslim communities in non-Muslim lands. It is also a problem in "Islamic" countries as well. Years of nationalism in theory and practice have diminished the powerful universality Muslims cherished in their societies.
First the bad news
Laws and customs
There are a number of countries in the Muslim world, in which racism and prejudice are in full swing and justified by laws or social customs. These seek to exclude and shun on the basis of ethnicity and in some cases, race.
For instance, in certain countries, it is not permissible for children to study at a post-secondary level, even if their parents have been living or working in the country for a number of years. This is usually because of their national origin.
In other countries, discrimination is used to exclude those who are not the original inhabitants of the land from citizenship.
Discrimination extends to the field of employment as well. In some "Islamic" countries, workers of one national origin are paid less than others although they may excel in their skills, education, and experience. It has been noted that a white or black person carrying an American passport gets better pay than a person of Asian origin carrying the same passport.
Written and unwritten laws in some Arab countries prohibit Arab women from marrying a non-Arab.
Attitudes and words
The discrimination is not reserved to laws though. It’s not difficult to hear an uncommon racial epithet used among some Muslims, ignorant or negligent of the Quran and Sunnah’s condemnation of backbiting, slander and mockery.
Marriage
We know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines, and therefore, in Islam, there is no ethnic bar to marriage. He also made it very clear, in his last Khutba, that superiority in Islam is not based on blackness, whiteness, Arabness or the lack of it.
Contrast this with, for instance, the Hindu caste system, under which inter-caste marriage is prohibited.
Sadly, such Hindu notions still influence a number of ignorant Muslims in South Asia who will not, for instance, marry outside if they are Syed (claim lineage to the Prophet), Shaikh (a business community) or across tribal lines if they come from the "Khans," "Moghuls" or "Jats".
While some Muslims may justify this as simply a measure to ensure compatibility between husband and wife, it is Islamically incorrect to discriminate upright Muslims on this basis.
The Masjid or Islamic center
There have been some isolated cases in which Muslims who have felt so excluded at specific mosques called anti-discrimination hotlines to complain.
Alhamdu lillah, all Masjids are open to all people and no Masjid has racial policies. However, racially divided neighborhoods result in an ethnically dominant Masjid type. Usually, negative attitudes of some and language specific Masjid programs cause miscommunication. This is because some people want to make sure their mother tongue survives in America.
...and the good news
The prayer: a lesson in Muslim unity
Five times a day, every day, Muslims of every cultural and ethnic background stand shoulder to shoulder. There is no issue of who stands where based on their color or ethnicity.
On a larger level, to remember that millions of Muslims, everywhere of all shapes, colors, sizes, countries, etc. all face the same place to pray, five times a day, is incredible. Yet this lesson not just in Muslim unity, but in ethno-national harmony, is usually overlooked.
The mosque: open to all despite problems
Alhamdu lillah, one problem Muslims do not have is membership-exclusiv e mosques. Any Muslim can pray in any mosque. While those individual Muslims with racism and prejudice in their hearts and minds may not treat them well, they will not exclude them physically from attending or praying in any mosque, anywhere.
A brother from the United Kingdom who converted to Islam once mentioned how on a trip to apartheid-era South Africa, while he found black and white churches, he did not encounter black and non-black mosques. That made him start thinking about this curious phenomenon, and he eventually accepted Islam.
Muslims united in pain
With the latest headlines focused on Chechnya, Muslims in America and abroad have generously donated to help their oppressed brothers and sisters there.
There is a keen understanding amongst many Muslims that when it comes to oppression, it doesn’t matter if you’re a black Muslim, a white Muslim, a Kosovar Muslim, a Chechen Muslim, a Kashmiri Muslim or a Somali Muslim, you are suffering.
Imams often make Dua for oppressed Muslims they have never met, no matter what their skin color. Muslims pray along in sympathy and support.
Here is another clear example of Muslim unity. All we need to do is now pray and help all human beings who are suffering whether Muslim or not.
Muslim American leaders are diverse
Can you name the top four speakers and leaders amongst Muslims in America today?
If you can, you’ll realize that all four are of different racial and linguistic backgrounds. They are invited to Muslim gatherings regularly, no matter what the ethnic background of the audience.
These four leaders are: Imam Siraj Wahhaj, an African American Muslim; Dr. Jamal Badawi, an Egyptian Muslim; Dr. Abdalla Idris Ali, a Sudanese Muslim, and Imam Hamza Yusuf, a Caucasian American Muslim.
This shows that a Muslim leader is respected for his knowledge and commitment to the Deen by most Muslims, not his background.
Marriage: the litmus test
All that said though, the real test of openness to other cultures is marriage. Islam and a growing number of Muslims pass there with flying colors.
As mentioned above, we know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines. Muslims, whether in the Muslim world or in North America, are following his example more often today.
So you’ll find an African or Caucasian-American convert married to an Arab, Indo-Pakistani or Malaysian; you’ll find an Indian married to a Palestinian; you’ll find a Kashmiri married to an Arab-American, and on and on.
There is a keen and growing understanding amongst a number of Muslims, in line with Islam, that what unites hearts and people is Islam, not skin color, ethnicity or territory.
Sincerity, knowledge, forgiveness are the cure
Curing the disease of racism takes time. It also takes humility, sincerity and requires seeking out the right guidance. It means admitting we were or are wrong, sincerely repenting and making a concrete effort to change.
While the planet's approximately 1.2 billion Muslims do have their share of problems with each other, Alhamdu lillah, we still have the tools to eradicate the cancer of racism and prejudice in our midst. Let’s begin the process with ourselves, and then help them Ummah do the same.
[Racism] [Mainpage] [What's New?]
.... And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ....
Allah Hafiz,
Ron Abdul Latif
Note from ITMR: Assalamualaikum, Below is an article from Soundvision entitled, "Muslims in the Mirror - Prejudice in the Muslim community." Before you read it, please read the ITMR message for Eid of 2000.
This Eid (Eid ul Adha, 2000), Inshallah, like every Eid, we will make their way to mosques to perform Eid prayer. Prayer in Jamaat can be an incredible experience. Many scholars describe it as the culmination of the five pillars of Islam
when you pray, you pray because you are a witness to the shahadah
when you pray, you refrain from eating and drinking, you observe a form of fasting
when you pray, you perform zakat because you are purifying yourself of your sins
when you pray, it is like performing hajj, with scores of other Muslims like yourself
It is this last point that I would like to stress on. We need to open our eyes and really take a look around us this Eid, and in the days to come. Look at the shiny faces of your Muslim brothers and sisters - of all colours and all ethnicities, of all cultures, of all ages. When the Ummah had its first official adhan, the muezzin was a Black former slave......till today, we pray shoulder to shoulder with people who are different in every possible way. But similar, in the most important way - IMAN...faith, Islam.
We will truly be lost if we nurture and raise our children to believe that they are better Muslims than others because they were brought up in the home of a particular ethnicity/race, or because they were born Muslims. It is arrogant to do so, but after all, arrogance is a natural human reaction. But that does not justify abandoning the effort to fight the tendency to look down on other Muslims.
A young woman once told me that she feels like the luckiest girl in the world. Before she came to Islam, she had just one sister and no brothers. Now that she has reverted to Islam, she has millions of sisters she can call her own - and literally so. We Muslims have brothers and sisters in every part of the world - because we are not separated by religious sects, different leaders, etc. Our leader is Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his God, our God, taught us to 'love for the sake of Allah.'
Muslims in the Mirror - Prejudice in the Muslim community
Source: Soundvision http://www.soundvis ion.com
‘I never considered a non-Arab equal to me,’ a sister once remarked. ‘I know it’s wrong, but in the place I grew up in, that was how we grew up thinking.’ She had grown up in a country considered "Islamic".
Islam is the most anti-racist and anti-prejudicial way of life. Islamic history testifies to the openness Muslims have shown towards people of different cultures and religions. Within their own ranks, sincere and practicing Muslims have always kept their hearts and minds open to their brethren, no matter what their background.
Yet, there is a problem in the Ummah today. Prejudices are not the problems of others. They have become the very sad reality amongst a number of Muslims as well.
This is not just on the level of small minority Muslim communities in non-Muslim lands. It is also a problem in "Islamic" countries as well. Years of nationalism in theory and practice have diminished the powerful universality Muslims cherished in their societies.
First the bad news
Laws and customs
There are a number of countries in the Muslim world, in which racism and prejudice are in full swing and justified by laws or social customs. These seek to exclude and shun on the basis of ethnicity and in some cases, race.
For instance, in certain countries, it is not permissible for children to study at a post-secondary level, even if their parents have been living or working in the country for a number of years. This is usually because of their national origin.
In other countries, discrimination is used to exclude those who are not the original inhabitants of the land from citizenship.
Discrimination extends to the field of employment as well. In some "Islamic" countries, workers of one national origin are paid less than others although they may excel in their skills, education, and experience. It has been noted that a white or black person carrying an American passport gets better pay than a person of Asian origin carrying the same passport.
Written and unwritten laws in some Arab countries prohibit Arab women from marrying a non-Arab.
Attitudes and words
The discrimination is not reserved to laws though. It’s not difficult to hear an uncommon racial epithet used among some Muslims, ignorant or negligent of the Quran and Sunnah’s condemnation of backbiting, slander and mockery.
Marriage
We know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines, and therefore, in Islam, there is no ethnic bar to marriage. He also made it very clear, in his last Khutba, that superiority in Islam is not based on blackness, whiteness, Arabness or the lack of it.
Contrast this with, for instance, the Hindu caste system, under which inter-caste marriage is prohibited.
Sadly, such Hindu notions still influence a number of ignorant Muslims in South Asia who will not, for instance, marry outside if they are Syed (claim lineage to the Prophet), Shaikh (a business community) or across tribal lines if they come from the "Khans," "Moghuls" or "Jats".
While some Muslims may justify this as simply a measure to ensure compatibility between husband and wife, it is Islamically incorrect to discriminate upright Muslims on this basis.
The Masjid or Islamic center
There have been some isolated cases in which Muslims who have felt so excluded at specific mosques called anti-discrimination hotlines to complain.
Alhamdu lillah, all Masjids are open to all people and no Masjid has racial policies. However, racially divided neighborhoods result in an ethnically dominant Masjid type. Usually, negative attitudes of some and language specific Masjid programs cause miscommunication. This is because some people want to make sure their mother tongue survives in America.
...and the good news
The prayer: a lesson in Muslim unity
Five times a day, every day, Muslims of every cultural and ethnic background stand shoulder to shoulder. There is no issue of who stands where based on their color or ethnicity.
On a larger level, to remember that millions of Muslims, everywhere of all shapes, colors, sizes, countries, etc. all face the same place to pray, five times a day, is incredible. Yet this lesson not just in Muslim unity, but in ethno-national harmony, is usually overlooked.
The mosque: open to all despite problems
Alhamdu lillah, one problem Muslims do not have is membership-exclusiv e mosques. Any Muslim can pray in any mosque. While those individual Muslims with racism and prejudice in their hearts and minds may not treat them well, they will not exclude them physically from attending or praying in any mosque, anywhere.
A brother from the United Kingdom who converted to Islam once mentioned how on a trip to apartheid-era South Africa, while he found black and white churches, he did not encounter black and non-black mosques. That made him start thinking about this curious phenomenon, and he eventually accepted Islam.
Muslims united in pain
With the latest headlines focused on Chechnya, Muslims in America and abroad have generously donated to help their oppressed brothers and sisters there.
There is a keen understanding amongst many Muslims that when it comes to oppression, it doesn’t matter if you’re a black Muslim, a white Muslim, a Kosovar Muslim, a Chechen Muslim, a Kashmiri Muslim or a Somali Muslim, you are suffering.
Imams often make Dua for oppressed Muslims they have never met, no matter what their skin color. Muslims pray along in sympathy and support.
Here is another clear example of Muslim unity. All we need to do is now pray and help all human beings who are suffering whether Muslim or not.
Muslim American leaders are diverse
Can you name the top four speakers and leaders amongst Muslims in America today?
If you can, you’ll realize that all four are of different racial and linguistic backgrounds. They are invited to Muslim gatherings regularly, no matter what the ethnic background of the audience.
These four leaders are: Imam Siraj Wahhaj, an African American Muslim; Dr. Jamal Badawi, an Egyptian Muslim; Dr. Abdalla Idris Ali, a Sudanese Muslim, and Imam Hamza Yusuf, a Caucasian American Muslim.
This shows that a Muslim leader is respected for his knowledge and commitment to the Deen by most Muslims, not his background.
Marriage: the litmus test
All that said though, the real test of openness to other cultures is marriage. Islam and a growing number of Muslims pass there with flying colors.
As mentioned above, we know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines. Muslims, whether in the Muslim world or in North America, are following his example more often today.
So you’ll find an African or Caucasian-American convert married to an Arab, Indo-Pakistani or Malaysian; you’ll find an Indian married to a Palestinian; you’ll find a Kashmiri married to an Arab-American, and on and on.
There is a keen and growing understanding amongst a number of Muslims, in line with Islam, that what unites hearts and people is Islam, not skin color, ethnicity or territory.
Sincerity, knowledge, forgiveness are the cure
Curing the disease of racism takes time. It also takes humility, sincerity and requires seeking out the right guidance. It means admitting we were or are wrong, sincerely repenting and making a concrete effort to change.
While the planet's approximately 1.2 billion Muslims do have their share of problems with each other, Alhamdu lillah, we still have the tools to eradicate the cancer of racism and prejudice in our midst. Let’s begin the process with ourselves, and then help them Ummah do the same.
[Racism] [Mainpage] [What's New?]
.... And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ....
Allah Hafiz,
Ron Abdul Latif
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
LASER BARKING: Bark at Terrorists not Muslims
Mike Ghouse, Dallas,
Texas 09/11/06
If I were to commit a crime, I must be punished by the laws of the land. I
must be blamed for it , not my family, not my neighbors, not my employer, and
certainly not my religion. Even though I may claim to be a Muslim, the act is
mine and not approved by the Muslim community, please just go along with me
now.
I have debated about this quite often with myself and have often won and
have lost a few times, paradoxically at the same instance. Please put your
wisdom hat and take a look at this proposition.
The following statements and questions are the frame of reference to go
further from here:
1. How would you suggest I describe the terrorist attacks carried out by
“radical Muslims” since they use Islam as a shield for their murderous
acts?
2. Using the word “Moderate Muslim” is certainly pleasing to almost all
Muslims, as they are. However, Muslims have difficulty in getting classified
on a group basis. It will tick the “Radicals” even more, we can choose to
embrace or confront them whichever produces the best results for the overall
peace and prosperity of the society.
3. Please avoid using the words terrorism as a prefix or suffix to the
words Islam or Muslim. We should not fall into the pit of taking out on
religions - religions are always peaceful, it is the individuals who are bad. The
phrases “Islamist terrorism” and “Islamist fascism” are counter productive,
just terrorism would be the right choice. By just using the word terrorism,
we will not be alienating “Moderate Muslims”, who make up 98% of the Muslim
population.
4. All wars start with words. So do the conflicts within the family,
community, or friends circle starts with the wrong choice of words.
If the goal of societies is to work on acceptable co-existence, then we have
the following choices to make from an extremist point of view to a liberal
thought and a whole range of options in between. What would you come up with,
and why?
1. Explore if the actions of the terrorists were prompted by any reason
that can be addressed or removed. We have to have goodwill within us to
assume that they are humans and their motivations are similar to ours; a peaceful
life, respect, family and worship. If we are flawed, we are no better than
them.
2. Get them to dialogue. The thought of wiping them off the face of the
earth may subside our short-term rage, but will aggravate the conflict even
more. As there is difference between child abuse and child discipline, there
is a difference in how we handle the terrorists. It will take a few more
generations to unburden the guilt of Holocaust.
3. What guarantee do we have that we will not produce Hitler’s,
Crusaders or the inquisition gang again? We did the right thing by not bashing their
religions, had we done that, the conflict would have been eternal. Can we
apply that logic to the terrorists.
4. By barking at Muslims (insinuating all Muslims) which comes from
prefixing the word terrorist with Islam or Muslim, we are being un-just and are
not sincere about building goodwill - meaning our intent for peace is not
forthright, we are biased and confirming it with the logic in hidden words.
Let's earnestly seek the peace and work for co-existence. Let's learn to bark at
the right people; the criminals. Let's not give them the privilege of the
word Islam or Muslim. They are pure criminals and let's treat them as such.
Those wordings will gain a lot more support from Muslims, who are great people,
like the people in every faith.
5. Bomb them all and clean the world of all Arabs first, next get the
Muslims out, then get all Muslims sympathizers out, and finally get every one
out who is opposed to wiping them off. The world would be a heaven, wouldn’t
it ?
6. Then the right wing extremists will clean the world of all the Jews,
Hindus, Catholics, Mormons, Baptists, Lutherans, Pagans and any one who is
not a member of their party. Then who will be left? Remember Martin
Niemöller's poem? The thought of cleansing is more dangerous to our world and is
responsible for spurring terrorism.
If we understand our choices, we need to develop the attitudes that will
seek solutions, and bring sustainable peace and equilibrium to the society. Our
actions towards them are based on our arrogance and that makes the terrorists
dig in their heels. Our cry for peace is as fake as their cry for solutions.
Terrorism is succeeding because we are pushing them. Some 20 years have gone
by since the fall of the evil Russian Empire, which we eagerly replaced by
Muslims as the evil. Neither our attitudes nor our actions have worked because
we believe in our might and not in our wisdom.
Islam forbids war, suicide, compulsion, oppression and killing of any one,
unless it is in self-defense. So is every faith! Let’s separate bad guys from
religion. Throw me in the ditch for the wrongs I do, do not crucify my
family, my neighbors or my religion. Don’t let me escape by broadening your
shooting range to a billion Muslims.
My suggestion is to laser bark, meaning bark at the criminals for who they
are. Don’t create a whole world around them to be blamed, don’t bomb the whole
country for it, don’t give them a religion to be blamed, and don’t shift
the blame on anything that surrounds them. Just laser bark at the criminals and
then we will make progress.
If we had laser barked at Osama Bin Laden; 3000 of our men and women,
600,000 + Iraqi's, families in Afghanistan celebrating weddings. Perhaps even
2000+ Lebanese, 400+ Israeli Soldiers and now thousands of Children, men and
women's life in Gaza is endangered. I seriously question if AhmediNejad would
have been emboldened to make evil statements. The problem is our disorientation
more so than the few Satan's tempting us. Thanks God, democracy is re-stored
in America and reason and logic will prevail and once again, we will earn our
name in the community of nations that we, the Americans are a fair, kind,
rational and reasonable people committed to stand for the liberty and justice
for all.
By barking at the Universe, we have failed to point our gun at the bad guys…
Let’s not bark at Muslims or Islam, instead go after the wrong doers.
Results are bound to come.
Texas 09/11/06
If I were to commit a crime, I must be punished by the laws of the land. I
must be blamed for it , not my family, not my neighbors, not my employer, and
certainly not my religion. Even though I may claim to be a Muslim, the act is
mine and not approved by the Muslim community, please just go along with me
now.
I have debated about this quite often with myself and have often won and
have lost a few times, paradoxically at the same instance. Please put your
wisdom hat and take a look at this proposition.
The following statements and questions are the frame of reference to go
further from here:
1. How would you suggest I describe the terrorist attacks carried out by
“radical Muslims” since they use Islam as a shield for their murderous
acts?
2. Using the word “Moderate Muslim” is certainly pleasing to almost all
Muslims, as they are. However, Muslims have difficulty in getting classified
on a group basis. It will tick the “Radicals” even more, we can choose to
embrace or confront them whichever produces the best results for the overall
peace and prosperity of the society.
3. Please avoid using the words terrorism as a prefix or suffix to the
words Islam or Muslim. We should not fall into the pit of taking out on
religions - religions are always peaceful, it is the individuals who are bad. The
phrases “Islamist terrorism” and “Islamist fascism” are counter productive,
just terrorism would be the right choice. By just using the word terrorism,
we will not be alienating “Moderate Muslims”, who make up 98% of the Muslim
population.
4. All wars start with words. So do the conflicts within the family,
community, or friends circle starts with the wrong choice of words.
If the goal of societies is to work on acceptable co-existence, then we have
the following choices to make from an extremist point of view to a liberal
thought and a whole range of options in between. What would you come up with,
and why?
1. Explore if the actions of the terrorists were prompted by any reason
that can be addressed or removed. We have to have goodwill within us to
assume that they are humans and their motivations are similar to ours; a peaceful
life, respect, family and worship. If we are flawed, we are no better than
them.
2. Get them to dialogue. The thought of wiping them off the face of the
earth may subside our short-term rage, but will aggravate the conflict even
more. As there is difference between child abuse and child discipline, there
is a difference in how we handle the terrorists. It will take a few more
generations to unburden the guilt of Holocaust.
3. What guarantee do we have that we will not produce Hitler’s,
Crusaders or the inquisition gang again? We did the right thing by not bashing their
religions, had we done that, the conflict would have been eternal. Can we
apply that logic to the terrorists.
4. By barking at Muslims (insinuating all Muslims) which comes from
prefixing the word terrorist with Islam or Muslim, we are being un-just and are
not sincere about building goodwill - meaning our intent for peace is not
forthright, we are biased and confirming it with the logic in hidden words.
Let's earnestly seek the peace and work for co-existence. Let's learn to bark at
the right people; the criminals. Let's not give them the privilege of the
word Islam or Muslim. They are pure criminals and let's treat them as such.
Those wordings will gain a lot more support from Muslims, who are great people,
like the people in every faith.
5. Bomb them all and clean the world of all Arabs first, next get the
Muslims out, then get all Muslims sympathizers out, and finally get every one
out who is opposed to wiping them off. The world would be a heaven, wouldn’t
it ?
6. Then the right wing extremists will clean the world of all the Jews,
Hindus, Catholics, Mormons, Baptists, Lutherans, Pagans and any one who is
not a member of their party. Then who will be left? Remember Martin
Niemöller's poem? The thought of cleansing is more dangerous to our world and is
responsible for spurring terrorism.
If we understand our choices, we need to develop the attitudes that will
seek solutions, and bring sustainable peace and equilibrium to the society. Our
actions towards them are based on our arrogance and that makes the terrorists
dig in their heels. Our cry for peace is as fake as their cry for solutions.
Terrorism is succeeding because we are pushing them. Some 20 years have gone
by since the fall of the evil Russian Empire, which we eagerly replaced by
Muslims as the evil. Neither our attitudes nor our actions have worked because
we believe in our might and not in our wisdom.
Islam forbids war, suicide, compulsion, oppression and killing of any one,
unless it is in self-defense. So is every faith! Let’s separate bad guys from
religion. Throw me in the ditch for the wrongs I do, do not crucify my
family, my neighbors or my religion. Don’t let me escape by broadening your
shooting range to a billion Muslims.
My suggestion is to laser bark, meaning bark at the criminals for who they
are. Don’t create a whole world around them to be blamed, don’t bomb the whole
country for it, don’t give them a religion to be blamed, and don’t shift
the blame on anything that surrounds them. Just laser bark at the criminals and
then we will make progress.
If we had laser barked at Osama Bin Laden; 3000 of our men and women,
600,000 + Iraqi's, families in Afghanistan celebrating weddings. Perhaps even
2000+ Lebanese, 400+ Israeli Soldiers and now thousands of Children, men and
women's life in Gaza is endangered. I seriously question if AhmediNejad would
have been emboldened to make evil statements. The problem is our disorientation
more so than the few Satan's tempting us. Thanks God, democracy is re-stored
in America and reason and logic will prevail and once again, we will earn our
name in the community of nations that we, the Americans are a fair, kind,
rational and reasonable people committed to stand for the liberty and justice
for all.
By barking at the Universe, we have failed to point our gun at the bad guys…
Let’s not bark at Muslims or Islam, instead go after the wrong doers.
Results are bound to come.
Ellison tells US Muslims to stand up for justice
DEARBORN, Michigan: The first Muslim elected to Congress returned to his home state and told fellow Muslims to observe their faith and work for justice.
“You can’t back down, you can’t chicken out, you can’t be afraid, you got to have faith in Almighty Allah, and you got to stand up and be a real Muslim,” Keith Ellison said on Sunday night in this Detroit suburb, which is the centre of Michigan’s Arab American community.
He spoke at a convention of the Muslim American Society and the Islamic Circle of North America, attended by about 3,000 people.
Born in Detroit, Ellison converted to Islam while in college. Heran successfully as a Democratic candidate for a Minnesota US House seat. US Rep. Virgil Goode, a Virginia Republican, drew widespread criticism when he challenged Ellison’s intention to take the oath of office on the Qura’an, rather than the Bible. Goode said more Muslims would be elected to office unless immigration was limited. Muslims can expect more attacks in the future, Ellison said.
“We’re going to continue to face them,” he was quoted as saying by the Detroit Free Press on Monday. “They’re not going to stop right away. But if you, and me too, stick together, if we believe in Almighty Allah ... if we turn to the Qura’an for guidance, we’ll find an answer to the questions we have.
“You can’t back down, you can’t chicken out, you can’t be afraid, you got to have faith in Almighty Allah, and you got to stand up and be a real Muslim,” Keith Ellison said on Sunday night in this Detroit suburb, which is the centre of Michigan’s Arab American community.
He spoke at a convention of the Muslim American Society and the Islamic Circle of North America, attended by about 3,000 people.
Born in Detroit, Ellison converted to Islam while in college. Heran successfully as a Democratic candidate for a Minnesota US House seat. US Rep. Virgil Goode, a Virginia Republican, drew widespread criticism when he challenged Ellison’s intention to take the oath of office on the Qura’an, rather than the Bible. Goode said more Muslims would be elected to office unless immigration was limited. Muslims can expect more attacks in the future, Ellison said.
“We’re going to continue to face them,” he was quoted as saying by the Detroit Free Press on Monday. “They’re not going to stop right away. But if you, and me too, stick together, if we believe in Almighty Allah ... if we turn to the Qura’an for guidance, we’ll find an answer to the questions we have.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Universities urged to spy on Muslims
Vikram Dodd
Monday October 16, 2006
The Guardian
Lecturers and university staff across Britain are to be asked to spy on "Asian-looking" and Muslim students they suspect of involvement in Islamic extremism and supporting terrorist violence, the Guardian has learned.
They will be told to inform on students to special branch because the government believes campuses have become "fertile recruiting grounds" for extremists.
The Department for Education has drawn up a series of proposals which are to be sent to universities and other centres of higher education before the end of the year. The 18-page document acknowledges that universities will be anxious about passing information to special branch, for fear it amounts to "collaborating with the 'secret police'". It says there will be "concerns about police targeting certain sections of the student population (eg Muslims)".
The proposals are likely to cause anxiety among academics, and provoke anger from British Muslim groups at a time when ministers are at the focus of rows over issues such as the wearing of the veil and forcing Islamic schools to accept pupils from other faiths.
Wakkas Khan, president of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, said: "It sounds to me to be potentially the widest infringement of the rights of Muslim students that there ever has been in this country. It is clearly targeting Muslim students and treating them to a higher level of suspicion and scrutiny. It sounds like you're guilty until you're proven innocent."
Gemma Tumelty, president of the National Union of Students, said: "They are going to treat everyone Muslim with suspicion on the basis of their faith. It's bearing on the side of McCarthyism."
The document, which has been obtained by the Guardian, was sent within the last month to selected official bodies for consultation and reveals the full extent of what the authorities fear is happening in universities.
It claims that Islamic societies at universities have become increasingly political in recent years and discusses monitoring their leaflets and speakers. The document warns of talent-spotting by terrorists on campuses and of students being "groomed" for extremism.
In a section on factors that can radicalise students, the document identifies Muslims from "segregated" backgrounds as more likely to hold radical views than those who have "integrated into wider society". It also claims that students who study in their home towns could act as a link between extremism on campuses and in their local communities.
The government wants universities to crack down on extremism, and the document says campus staff should volunteer information to special branch and not wait to be contacted by detectives.
It says: "Special branch are aware that many HEIs [higher education institutions] will have a number of concerns about working closely with special branch. Some common concerns are that institutions will be seen to be collaborating with the 'secret police'.
"HEIs may also worry about what special branch will do with any information supplied by an HEI and what action the police may subsequently take ... Special branch are not the 'secret police' and are accountable."
The document says radicalisation on campus is unlikely to be overt: "While radicalisation may not be widespread, there is some evidence to suggest that students at further and higher educational establishments have been involved in terrorist- related activity, which could include actively radicalising fellow students on campus." The document adds: "Perhaps most importantly, universities and colleges provide a fertile recruiting ground for students.
"There are different categories of students who may be 'sucked in' to an Islamist extremist ideology ... There are those who may be new to a university or college environment and vulnerable to 'grooming' by individuals with their own agenda as they search for friends and social groups; there are those who may be actively looking for extremist individuals with whom to associate. Campuses provide an opportunity for individuals who are already radicalised to form new networks, and extend existing ones."
The document urges close attention be paid to university Islamic societies and - under the heading "inspiring radical speakers" - says: "Islamic societies have tended to invite more radical speakers or preachers on to campuses ... They can be forceful, persuasive and eloquent. They are able to fill a vacuum created by young Muslims' feelings of alienation from their parents' generation by providing greater 'clarity' from an Islamic point of view on a range of issues, and potentially a greater sense of purpose about how Muslim students can respond."
It suggests checks should be made on external speakers at Islamic society events: "The control of university or college Islamic societies by certain extremist individuals can play a significant role in the extent of Islamist extremism on campus."
The document says potential extremists can be talent-spotted at campus meetings then channelled to events off campus.
The document gives five real-life examples of extremism in universities. The first talks of suspicious computer use by "Asian" students, which was reported by library staff. In language some may balk at, it talks of students of "Asian appearance" being suspected extremists.
A senior education department source told the Guardian: "There's loads of anecdotal evidence of radicalisation. At the same time there are people who pushing this who have their own agendas, and the government has to strike the right balance."
Monday October 16, 2006
The Guardian
Lecturers and university staff across Britain are to be asked to spy on "Asian-looking" and Muslim students they suspect of involvement in Islamic extremism and supporting terrorist violence, the Guardian has learned.
They will be told to inform on students to special branch because the government believes campuses have become "fertile recruiting grounds" for extremists.
The Department for Education has drawn up a series of proposals which are to be sent to universities and other centres of higher education before the end of the year. The 18-page document acknowledges that universities will be anxious about passing information to special branch, for fear it amounts to "collaborating with the 'secret police'". It says there will be "concerns about police targeting certain sections of the student population (eg Muslims)".
The proposals are likely to cause anxiety among academics, and provoke anger from British Muslim groups at a time when ministers are at the focus of rows over issues such as the wearing of the veil and forcing Islamic schools to accept pupils from other faiths.
Wakkas Khan, president of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, said: "It sounds to me to be potentially the widest infringement of the rights of Muslim students that there ever has been in this country. It is clearly targeting Muslim students and treating them to a higher level of suspicion and scrutiny. It sounds like you're guilty until you're proven innocent."
Gemma Tumelty, president of the National Union of Students, said: "They are going to treat everyone Muslim with suspicion on the basis of their faith. It's bearing on the side of McCarthyism."
The document, which has been obtained by the Guardian, was sent within the last month to selected official bodies for consultation and reveals the full extent of what the authorities fear is happening in universities.
It claims that Islamic societies at universities have become increasingly political in recent years and discusses monitoring their leaflets and speakers. The document warns of talent-spotting by terrorists on campuses and of students being "groomed" for extremism.
In a section on factors that can radicalise students, the document identifies Muslims from "segregated" backgrounds as more likely to hold radical views than those who have "integrated into wider society". It also claims that students who study in their home towns could act as a link between extremism on campuses and in their local communities.
The government wants universities to crack down on extremism, and the document says campus staff should volunteer information to special branch and not wait to be contacted by detectives.
It says: "Special branch are aware that many HEIs [higher education institutions] will have a number of concerns about working closely with special branch. Some common concerns are that institutions will be seen to be collaborating with the 'secret police'.
"HEIs may also worry about what special branch will do with any information supplied by an HEI and what action the police may subsequently take ... Special branch are not the 'secret police' and are accountable."
The document says radicalisation on campus is unlikely to be overt: "While radicalisation may not be widespread, there is some evidence to suggest that students at further and higher educational establishments have been involved in terrorist- related activity, which could include actively radicalising fellow students on campus." The document adds: "Perhaps most importantly, universities and colleges provide a fertile recruiting ground for students.
"There are different categories of students who may be 'sucked in' to an Islamist extremist ideology ... There are those who may be new to a university or college environment and vulnerable to 'grooming' by individuals with their own agenda as they search for friends and social groups; there are those who may be actively looking for extremist individuals with whom to associate. Campuses provide an opportunity for individuals who are already radicalised to form new networks, and extend existing ones."
The document urges close attention be paid to university Islamic societies and - under the heading "inspiring radical speakers" - says: "Islamic societies have tended to invite more radical speakers or preachers on to campuses ... They can be forceful, persuasive and eloquent. They are able to fill a vacuum created by young Muslims' feelings of alienation from their parents' generation by providing greater 'clarity' from an Islamic point of view on a range of issues, and potentially a greater sense of purpose about how Muslim students can respond."
It suggests checks should be made on external speakers at Islamic society events: "The control of university or college Islamic societies by certain extremist individuals can play a significant role in the extent of Islamist extremism on campus."
The document says potential extremists can be talent-spotted at campus meetings then channelled to events off campus.
The document gives five real-life examples of extremism in universities. The first talks of suspicious computer use by "Asian" students, which was reported by library staff. In language some may balk at, it talks of students of "Asian appearance" being suspected extremists.
A senior education department source told the Guardian: "There's loads of anecdotal evidence of radicalisation. At the same time there are people who pushing this who have their own agendas, and the government has to strike the right balance."
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The Belief of The Muslims
We begin in the name of God, the One Who created everyone.
We praise God Almighty, the One not in need of anyone.
We ask God to bless Muhammad, the last of God's Messengers.
No Prophet is born after him; he is the best of Islam's defenders.
God is our Creator; no one else creates.
The fact that God exists is not a question of debate.
God exists with no beginning and God is alive without an end.
God's life is not like our life; God does not descend or ascend.
God exists and is alive without being in a place.
God is not a body; God has neither hands nor face.
What ever picture comes to your mind, be it a shape or light.
Know that this is not your Lord, the One with a great might.
God has power over all creation; nothing escapes God's sight.
God hears all that's hearable; God knows all, both wrong and right.
Everything which happens is by the will of God.
Whatever God wills to be shall be, both what's typical and odd.
God speaks without a tongue or lips; God orders, promises and forbids.
God reveals things to the Prophets; telling others is what the Prophets did.
All Messengers are Prophets; they are the best of men.
To Prophets God revealed the message; some written with a pen.
Prophets always told the truth from birth until their death.
Prophets never blasphemed from birth until their last breath.
Great sins were never done by them nor a sin that's mean.
Prophets are the most beautiful men people have ever seen.
Every Prophet is a Muslim; all had the same belief.
Every Prophet told of Paradise and hellfire without relief.
Every person will either dwell in Paradise or in Hell.
The dwelling is forever, so follow our Prophet well.
The Prophets lead the people on the path to Paradise.
Always follow Muhammad and take his good advice.
Before Muhammad were many noble Prophets true.
Jesus, Moses, Noah and Adam are names of only few.
We love God more than anyone and we love the Prophets all.
No one deserves worship except God, our Lord. This is the Muslim's call.
We praise God Almighty, the One not in need of anyone.
We ask God to bless Muhammad, the last of God's Messengers.
No Prophet is born after him; he is the best of Islam's defenders.
God is our Creator; no one else creates.
The fact that God exists is not a question of debate.
God exists with no beginning and God is alive without an end.
God's life is not like our life; God does not descend or ascend.
God exists and is alive without being in a place.
God is not a body; God has neither hands nor face.
What ever picture comes to your mind, be it a shape or light.
Know that this is not your Lord, the One with a great might.
God has power over all creation; nothing escapes God's sight.
God hears all that's hearable; God knows all, both wrong and right.
Everything which happens is by the will of God.
Whatever God wills to be shall be, both what's typical and odd.
God speaks without a tongue or lips; God orders, promises and forbids.
God reveals things to the Prophets; telling others is what the Prophets did.
All Messengers are Prophets; they are the best of men.
To Prophets God revealed the message; some written with a pen.
Prophets always told the truth from birth until their death.
Prophets never blasphemed from birth until their last breath.
Great sins were never done by them nor a sin that's mean.
Prophets are the most beautiful men people have ever seen.
Every Prophet is a Muslim; all had the same belief.
Every Prophet told of Paradise and hellfire without relief.
Every person will either dwell in Paradise or in Hell.
The dwelling is forever, so follow our Prophet well.
The Prophets lead the people on the path to Paradise.
Always follow Muhammad and take his good advice.
Before Muhammad were many noble Prophets true.
Jesus, Moses, Noah and Adam are names of only few.
We love God more than anyone and we love the Prophets all.
No one deserves worship except God, our Lord. This is the Muslim's call.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
'People are angry. This attacks the identity of Muslims'
By Nigel Bunyan
(Filed: 07/10/2006)
The telephone in Ibrahim Master's home, in one of the predominantly Muslim quarters of Blackburn, rang just before 1pm. It was Jack Straw.
He wasn't ringing to take back his words on the veil, which have so enraged many constituents. He was trying to rebuild some of the bridges his Islamic allies believe he has left badly damaged. The conversation lasted five minutes and ended with both men assuring each other that their 15-year friendship would survive.
Whether Mr Straw can hold his Lancashire constituency at the general election remains to be seen. Many in Blackburn yesterday were predicting that he would face a rough ride. Last year the debacle of the Iraq war dented his majority, cutting it to 8,009.
Mr Master, 48, a former chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said he felt personally let down by his long-time political ally. It was he, after all, who helped rally the sizeable Muslim vote that assured Mr Straw's return as Blackburn MP last year.
For so moderate a Muslim to be upset with the Leader of the House of Commons is clearly an embarrassment. He wrote to Mr Straw more than three years ago, expressing concern that at one of his surgeries the MP had "quite explicitly advocated that Muslim females should not adopt the veil".
On that occasion a potential conflict was defused. This time the MP rang Mr Master only the night before the article appeared in his local newspaper, assuring him of its "sober" tone.
Mr Master sees the MP's comments as offensive and deeply unhelpful. "People are angry because they see it as an attack on the very identity of Muslims. We have been in the spotlight since 9/11 and Jack Straw's remarks will make things worse.
"He has said what he's said with the best intentions, but I think it is going to have the opposite effect. For a Muslim woman to keep her face covered from males outside her family is a fundamental requirement of Islam. We feel so badly let down."
For all the condemnation being heaped on Mr Straw by Muslims, his assertion that the veil is "a visible statement of separation and difference" held resonance on the nearby streets.
Time and time again women in veils were approached in the hope that they would give their view on the issue. Most scurried away in silence. One paused long enough to say she would ring her husband to ask his permission.
He told her: "No. Walk away from them." She did so, telling the reporter: "I shouldn't even be looking at you. I'm not supposed to look at other men."
Mr Master was similarly unable to help. "The women who wear the veil are very shy," he said. "Without it they would go out even less than they do."
Staff at Radio Ramadan said that Mr Straw had not a single supporter among a steady stream of callers. One said Mr Straw had asked her to unveil. She had refused, but "from then on the meeting became uncomfortable".
(Filed: 07/10/2006)
The telephone in Ibrahim Master's home, in one of the predominantly Muslim quarters of Blackburn, rang just before 1pm. It was Jack Straw.
He wasn't ringing to take back his words on the veil, which have so enraged many constituents. He was trying to rebuild some of the bridges his Islamic allies believe he has left badly damaged. The conversation lasted five minutes and ended with both men assuring each other that their 15-year friendship would survive.
Whether Mr Straw can hold his Lancashire constituency at the general election remains to be seen. Many in Blackburn yesterday were predicting that he would face a rough ride. Last year the debacle of the Iraq war dented his majority, cutting it to 8,009.
Mr Master, 48, a former chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said he felt personally let down by his long-time political ally. It was he, after all, who helped rally the sizeable Muslim vote that assured Mr Straw's return as Blackburn MP last year.
For so moderate a Muslim to be upset with the Leader of the House of Commons is clearly an embarrassment. He wrote to Mr Straw more than three years ago, expressing concern that at one of his surgeries the MP had "quite explicitly advocated that Muslim females should not adopt the veil".
On that occasion a potential conflict was defused. This time the MP rang Mr Master only the night before the article appeared in his local newspaper, assuring him of its "sober" tone.
Mr Master sees the MP's comments as offensive and deeply unhelpful. "People are angry because they see it as an attack on the very identity of Muslims. We have been in the spotlight since 9/11 and Jack Straw's remarks will make things worse.
"He has said what he's said with the best intentions, but I think it is going to have the opposite effect. For a Muslim woman to keep her face covered from males outside her family is a fundamental requirement of Islam. We feel so badly let down."
For all the condemnation being heaped on Mr Straw by Muslims, his assertion that the veil is "a visible statement of separation and difference" held resonance on the nearby streets.
Time and time again women in veils were approached in the hope that they would give their view on the issue. Most scurried away in silence. One paused long enough to say she would ring her husband to ask his permission.
He told her: "No. Walk away from them." She did so, telling the reporter: "I shouldn't even be looking at you. I'm not supposed to look at other men."
Mr Master was similarly unable to help. "The women who wear the veil are very shy," he said. "Without it they would go out even less than they do."
Staff at Radio Ramadan said that Mr Straw had not a single supporter among a steady stream of callers. One said Mr Straw had asked her to unveil. She had refused, but "from then on the meeting became uncomfortable".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)